Life in Torrox Spain: the Food, Cuisine and Activities:

Torrox is a municipality in the Malaga province in Andalusia, Spain. As of 2004 Torrox has a population of 12,901 inhabitants and an area of 50.49 km². The first tourists were French. It is an important Norwegian and German tourist center, one of the largest in Spain. Lately also highly frequented by Britons, which is also very large community. The city itself is divided into two sections: Torrox Costa on the sea and Torrox Pueblo, 4 km inland. Torrox is located in close proximity to Nerja. It has the motto "The Best Climate in Europe" which has been scientifically confirmed.

The main square, Plaza de la Constitution, is the heart of Torrox. Busy in the morning as everyone completes their daily shopping. Fresh fish and vegetables from the market, bread still warm from the bakery. Then all goes quiet for the main meal at 2:00 and then the hot afternoon siesta until dusk when Torrox awakens again. Dining al fresco in the balmy night air with just the hint of a cooling breeze.

The houses are traditional Andalusian buildings, their style going back to the Moors who used to occupy this part of Spain when it was Al Andalus. You can still find remains of this period throughout the village including a Roman aqua duct, ceramic ovens and a Roman Necropolis but the sea.

The older properties like Casa Cebadillas, have walls two feet thick with small windows, painted white inside and out. The heat of the sun is kept out with shutters and the village sleeps in the heat of the afternoon.

At night, as the temperatures fall, the village comes back to life. The main plaza is busy until the early hours where many of the local people sit down for their evening meal at 10pm or even 11pm. It is often noisy at night, the Spanish demonstrating their love of life and people sitting in the streets, chatting and laughing. In the summer this can go on until one in the morning or later.

After a brief sleep, they arise around 9:00 AM before the heat of the day. Head down to the Plaza de la Constitution and its bakeries and shops or perhaps to the market and then a coffee or something stronger. It is not uncommon for the local men to have a brandy in the morning with their coffee. Back home in the afternoon for their main meal, then a siesta and the village falls quiet.

Torrox Pueblo is a traditional Andalusian white village, clinging to the side of the mountain about 3 km from Torrox Costa which is part of the Costa Del Sol The Costa del Sol, which officially stretches from Nerja to the east of Malaga to Gibraltar in the west, is appropriately named the 'sunshine coast', for it boasts a sunshine record of 325 days a year. IN fact, Torrox is known for having the best climate in all of Europe.

Although the Torrox area is in the Costa del Sol, it is not full of crowded urbanizations and has kept many of the features that makes this destination a truly unique Spanish experience.

When it does rain, usually between October and February, it pours down in a short deluge - clearing the skies for more sunshine. The hottest months are between July and September - it can reach 40 C (104 F)degrees at its peak.

Torrox Pueblo is a typical white Moorish mountain village, narrow winding streets decorated with flowers and plants lead to hidden squares and surprises. Steep steps and slopes can make this difficult for some visitors but they do help keep you fit!Torrox Pueblo has many interesting bars and restaurants most offering from Tapas to the excellent cuisine to be found at hidden haunts such as Casa Cebadillas, Secret Garden, La Casa and El Figon

On the coast in Torrox Costa you will find a more tourist focused international cuisine. Local dishes include ‘migas’ breadcrumbs fried with garlic, ‘maimones’ bread and oil soup, ‘papas a lo pobre’ which translates to 'poor potatoes', ‘ajoblanco’ a cold garlic soup, etc. There is of course,‘ gazpacho, Andalucia’s famous cold tomato soup.or a true liquid salad!

The streets are full of surprising small squares and alleys full of potted plants and flowers. Around Torrox Pueblo there are plaques depicting the history of the town. You can just stroll around and discover these for yourself or undertake more structured walks around Torrox reliving history (See Walking Holiday Vacation on this site)

Torrox Pueblo is not a 'tourist trap' . No souvenir gift shops or peddlers selling pirated CD's, sunglasses or playing instruments and begging for money! Life centers around the Plaza de la Constitucion with its bars and cafes where locals hang out and catch up on the local gossip. Believe me, they have this down to an art!. Take a look up and you will see Roman busts on the top of the buildings in the main square.

Although the municipal market offers an opportunity to buy fresh fish and vegetables. Buying bread from the bakery in Torrox may be a disappointment. The local bread is made to soak up juices from your plate and does not have the familiar firmness of a French baguette. Having said that, one must not leave Torrox without having a traditional breakfast, a small Spanish baguette cut in half, toasted and rubbed with a fresh tomato, garlic and olive oil.

The square is overlooked by the Church of la Encarnación, inside on Sunday, depending on the time of year, visitors will be in the numbers between 12 and 300! Easter being a time when it is packed!

Torrox provides an ideal base to discover the Axarquia and Andalucia as well as having a lot to offer just outside your door.You can visit :•The 16th century Convent and Hermitage of the Virgen de las Nieves, which may have been the birthplace of Almanzor. •The 16th century Church of San Roque. •The 18th century Hospital of San Jose.•The 19th century Sugar Factory.Torrox as with many towns and villages of Axarquia, Andulicia and, indeed, Spain, has many fiestas, saint days and wonderful traditions.•On the Sunday before Christmas Day the 'Migas' festivities are held.•In February it is carnival time•At the beginning of May , the Cruces de Mayo (Crosses of May) are made in many houses. They include flowers, ornamental objects and mirrors. The walls are decorated with garlands and shawls.•On 13th June, the patron saint San Antonio is celebrated in the densely populated neighbourhood of Ntra. Sra. De las Nieves, with a country party and with three days of fair in Torrox.•On 24th June, San Juan is celebrated•On 5th August, patron saints San Roque and Virgen de las Nieves are celebrated•7th to 9th September, Virgen de la Candelaria celebrations•4th to 7th October is the big fairALSO CLICK ON THE "FIESTA GUIDE" ON THIS SITE Fiesta Guide Link CLICK HERE